Selective coating of a component using a potting process

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems involving a potting process for selectively coating a target surface of a component. An example method may include: (1) dispensing a masking agent into a cavity, wherein the cavity is within a holder; (2) immersing a portion of a component that has a plurality of surfaces into the masking agent, such that at least one portion of a target surface from the plurality of surfaces is not immersed; (3) curing the masking agent such that the masking agent hardens on the portion of the plurality of surfaces of the component immersed in the masking agent; (4) coating the target surface with a coating agent; and (5) separating the masking agent from the portion of the plurality of surfaces of the component immersed in the masking agent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/658,894 filed on Oct. 24, 2012. The entirety of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/658,894 is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in thissection are not prior art to the claims in this application and are notadmitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Various types of manufacturing processes exist for producing variouscomponents. One example of a manufacturing process involves a pottingprocess, where a masking agent covers a component. Additionally,components may be coated using a coating process. An example of acomponent includes an eyepiece that requires selective coating on one ofits surfaces.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a method is provided. The method may include: (1)dispensing a masking agent into a cavity, wherein the cavity is within aholder; (2) immersing a portion of a component that has a plurality ofsurfaces into the masking agent, such that at least one portion of atarget surface from the plurality of surfaces is not immersed; (3)curing the masking agent such that the masking agent hardens on theportion of the plurality of surfaces of the component immersed in themasking agent; (4) coating the target surface with a coating agent; and(5) separating the masking agent from the portion of the plurality ofsurfaces of the component immersed in the masking agent.

In a further aspect, a system is provided. The system may include: (1) aholder, wherein a masking agent is dispensed into a cavity locatedwithin the holder; (2) a component, wherein a portion of the componentthat has a plurality of surfaces is immersed into the masking agent suchthat at least one portion of a target surface from the plurality ofsurfaces is not immersed; and (3) a control system configured to: (a)cure the masking agent such that the masking agent hardens on theportion of the plurality of surfaces of the component immersed in themasking agent; (b) coat the target surface with a coating agent; and (c)separate the masking agent from the portion of the plurality of surfacesof the component immersed in the masking agent.

In yet a further aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus mayinclude: a holder having one or more cavities, each cavity comprising abottom surface, wherein the bottom surface comprises three prongs thatextend upwardly for holding a component in the cavity on a planarsurface.

These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading thefollowing detailed description, with reference where appropriate to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an example system for selectively coating a componentusing a potting process, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows an example system for selectively coating a componentusing a potting process, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 1C shows an example system for selectively coating a componentusing a potting process, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 1D shows an example system for selectively coating a componentusing a potting process, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 1E shows an example system for selectively coating a componentusing a potting process, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 1F shows an example system for selectively coating a componentusing a potting process, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of an example system forselectively coating a component using a potting process, according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of an example system forselectively coating a component using a potting process, according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of an example system forselectively coating a component using a potting process, according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 3D shows a cross-sectional view of an example system forselectively coating a component using a potting process, according to anexample embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods and systems are described herein. Any example embodimentor feature described herein is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. Theexample embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. Itwill be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed systemsand methods can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of differentconfigurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

Furthermore, the particular arrangements shown in the Figures orotherwise described herein should not be viewed as necessarily limiting.It should be understood that other embodiments may include more or lessof each element shown in a given Figure. Further, some of theillustrated elements may be combined or omitted. Yet further, an exampleembodiment may include elements that are not illustrated in the Figures.

1. OVERVIEW

Large-scale production of devices often requires intricate detailing tobe performed on components using automated processes. For example, somecomponents, such as an eyepiece, may necessitate a coating be applied toa target surface or surfaces of the component. Large-scale applicationof coatings may prove difficult due to the need for precise application.Thus, for these and other reasons, all surfaces other than the targetedsurface or surfaces may be covered with a masking agent, allowing forprecise application of a coating only on the targeted surface orsurfaces.

Accordingly, the systems and methods described herein may help providefor more convenient and/or efficient techniques for selectively coatinga component using a potting process. Specifically, the systems andmethods may enable protection of surfaces on a component where coatingshould be avoided while achieving a well-defined edge of the coatingwith respect to the substrate interface. Furthermore, the combination ofa holder geometry and material with the potting compound may beoptimized for compatibility with mass production chemistries andtreatment to improve yield.

The example embodiments described herein may help to provide a techniquefor applying a masking agent to all surfaces of the component except forthe target surface, curing the masking agent, coating the target surfacewith the desired coating agent, and then separating the masking agentfrom the surfaces of the component, leaving only the target surfacecoated with the coating agent. Since the ability to apply such coatingsmay be difficult in large-scale production due to the need for preciseapplication, a system is disclosed to aid in the selective applicationof the coating agent to the target surface.

The manufacture of a component may involve the application of a coatingon a particular surface. For example, an eyepiece to be used in anocular apparatus may require a coating on its outermost surface whilethe other surfaces must remain free of the coating. In order to do so,an example manufacturing system may include a holder with a number ofcavities that are each shaped to fit the component. Further, in someembodiments, each cavity may include one or more prongs and stabilizersthat support a component that is being coated by extending outward suchthat the component may rest on them. The holder may include aninjectable molded plastic such that it is reusable, recyclable, ordisposable and can easily be shaped to correspond to the shape of thecomponent. The holder may additionally include localized thin-wallfeatures to allow for easy separation of component from the holder.

Dispensing the masking agent may include pouring the masking agent intothe cavities. Alternatively, the masking agent may be contained inreservoirs connected to the cavities such that the masking agent maypropagate into the cavity. The amount of masking agent may be apredetermined volume in order to adequately cover the surfaces of thecomponent to be coated by the masking agent (non-target surfaces).Further, the masking agent may be water-soluble or solvent-soluble, ormixed with a surfactant. In an alternative embodiment, dispensing themasking agent into the cavities may occur after the component has beenplaced into the cavity.

Immersing a portion of the component may include inserting the componentinto the cavity, such that all of the surfaces of the component, exceptfor a target surface, become immersed in the masking agent. Thecomponent may rest on prongs extended outwardly from the bottom surfaceof the cavity. Alternatively, the component may be placed in the cavityprior to the introduction of the masking agent and the masking agent maybe propagated into the cavity.

The masking agent may then be cured such that it hardens on the portionof the number of surfaces of the component immersed in the masking agentand may become impermeable. Once the masking agent has cured, the targetsurface may remain exposed. The target surface may then be coated usinga coating agent. The target surface may be coated using a number oftechniques including, but not limited to, spin coating, spray coating,gel coating, or powder coating. Furthermore, the coating agent mayinclude, but is not limited to, an anti-reflection agent, a photochromicagent, a hydrophobic agent, a polarizing agent, an oleophobic agent, oran anti-scratch agent.

Separating the masking agent from the surfaces of the component mayinvolve mechanically removing the masking agent. In an alternativeembodiment, separating the masking agent from the surfaces of thecomponent may involve dissolving the masking agent in a dissolvingsolution. The dissolving solution may include hydrophilic or hydrophobicsolutions. The application of heat may also be used to assist in theseparation. Thus, once the masking agent is separated, the targetsurface of the component is properly coated, leaving the other surfacesfree of the coating agent.

It should be understood that the examples discussed above are providedfor purposes of example and explanation only and should not be taken tobe limiting.

2. EXAMPLE SYSTEM

FIG. 1A illustrates an example coating system 100 for selectivelycoating a target surface of a component using a potting process. WhileFIG. 1A illustrates a coating system 100 as an example of a selectivecoating system, other types of coating systems could additionally oralternatively be used. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the coating system 100may include a holder 102 that has a surface 116 and a side 118, inaddition to a number of cavities 104. Each of the cavities 104 mayinclude stabilizers 114 located on the side of each cavity and prongs112 located at the base of each cavity. As an example, the coatingsystem 100 may be used when applying a photochromic coating to aneyepiece.

The holder 102 may be formed of a solid structure of plastic and/ormetal, or may be formed of a hollow structure of similar material so asto decrease weight and maximize balance. In an example embodiment, theholder 102 may be formed using thermoplastic or thermosetting plasticmaterials such that it may be used in an injection molding process. Theholder 102 may be reusable, recycled, or disposed of. Alternatively, theholder 102 may be formed of an ultraviolet transmissible material. Othermaterials may be possible as well.

The holder 102 may be shaped according to the preferred coating process.In an example embodiment, the holder 102 may be formed in a cylindricalshape for use in a spin coating process such that a coating may beapplied on a target surface, as further discussed below. The cylindricalshape of the holder 102 may facilitate equal distribution of a coatingmaterial on the surface of the manufactured component. Additionally, thecylindrical shape may facilitate proper balance of the holder 102 duringthe spin coat process. Other shapes may be possible as well.

The size of the holder 102 may also be determined according to the sizeand shape of the manufactured component. Alternatively, the size of theholder 102 may be determined by the size and shape of the machines usedin the manufacturing process. At a minimum, the surface 116 and side 118should be shaped such that the component to be coated may beappropriately covered by the masking agent while resting in the cavity104.

In an example embodiment, the component may be comprised of an opticalpiece. For example, the component may be an eyepiece for a head mounteddisplay (HMD). The eyepiece of a HMD may require a coating on the outersurface in order to protect the eyepiece itself from exposure or damage,or protect the eye of the user. In one embodiment, a photochromiccoating agent may be applied to the outer surface of the eyepiece. Othercoatings may be applied. Additionally, other components may be possible.

The number of cavities 104 located in the holder 102 may vary. Forinstance, the number may depend on the size of the desired componentbeing coated. Additionally, the number chosen should be determined suchthat the position of the cavities may provide balance to the holder 102,as shown in FIG. 1A. The holder 102 may contain only one cavity suchthat only one component may be coated at a time. Alternatively, theholder may contain more than one cavity such that multiple componentsmay be coated at one time. The use of multiple cavities may increase theefficiency and production of a manufacturing process.

One or more of each of the cavities 104 may be formed by an indentationof the holder 102. Each cavity 104 may also be sufficiently shaped toallow a component to properly rest in the cavity, leaving only thetarget surface exposed such that the non-target surfaces may be coveredby the masking agent and the holder remains balanced. Thus, each cavitymay be shaped to allow the component and the addition of the maskingagent to occupy the cavity at the same time. A reservoir containing themasking agent may be attached to or otherwise located near each cavity204, such that the masking agent may flow or be pumped into each cavityfrom the reservoir. Alternatively, one single reservoir may pump or pourthe masking agent into the cavities. Alternatively, the masking agentmay be dispensed in the cavity from above the holder. The cavity may besufficiently formed such that it is capable of holding and retaining themasking agent during the selective coating process.

The layout of the cavities 104 with respect to each other in the holder102 may provide balance to the holder during the manufacturing process,which in turn may help to achieve an even coating of the masking agentand coating agent during the process. In a further aspect, asillustrated in FIG. 1A, six rectangular cavities may be evenly spaced ina circular manner such that the holder remains balanced during a spincoat treatment. Other numbers of cavities, shapes, and orientations maybe available as well. Holder geometries may be optimized to increase thecomponent quantities for deposition efficiency as well as throughputwith manufacturing line equipment.

The side 118 of the holder 102 may include localized thin-wall features198 at the corner of each cavity 104. The localized thin-wall featuresmay aid in the removal of the component from the cavity 104. Forexample, where the side 118 meets the corner of each cavity 104, theholder 102 may be composed of a thinner wall that facilitates easytearing, however other features could facilitate easy tearing as well.Thus, the localized thin-wall features 198 may allow the holder surface116 to be broken apart in order to enable better access to mechanicallyremove the coated component.

The cavities 104 may also include one or more prongs 112 at the bottomof the cavity. The prongs 112 may extend outwardly from the surface ofthe cavity in order assist with the placement of the component.Specifically, the component may rest on the prongs during the selectivecoating process to ensure that the target surface remains level andparallel with the holder surface 116. In the example embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1A, three prongs 112 are displayed, thus creating aplane to rest the component on.

Additionally, the cavity 104 may include stabilizers 114 located on thesides of the cavity. The stabilizers 114 may stabilize the componentonce it has been placed in the cavity 102 and during the coatingprocess.

FIG. 1B further illustrates an example coating system 100 forselectively coating a target surface of a component using a pottingprocess. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the coating system 100 may furtherinclude a component 120, which contains a target surface 130 and one ormore non-target surfaces 140, in addition to a holder space 150. Theholder space 150 may be adjacent to the one or more non-target surfaces140. Further, the component 120 may rest in the cavity 104, with thetarget surface 130 exposed and level with the holder surface 116 and thenon-target surfaces in contact with the prongs 112 and stabilizers 114.

The component 120 may be any component that requires the application ofa coating agent to a target surface. In an example embodiment, thecomponent used in the selective coating process may be an eyepiece to beused in an ocular apparatus. Specifically, a coating agent, includingbut not limited to, photochromic agent, may be applied to the outersurface of the eyepiece. Other coating agents may be possible as well,as further discussed below.

One or more of the non-target surfaces 140 may be located within thecavity 104 in the holder 102 such that when a masking agent ispropagated or dispensed into the cavity, the non-target surfaces 140 maybe covered by the masking agent. Further, the target surface 130 mayremain exposed facing outwardly from the cavity 104 such that when themasking agent is propagated or dispensed into the cavity, the targetsurface 130 may remain void of the masking agent.

Between the non-target surfaces 140 of the component 120 and the wallsof the cavity 104, the holder 102 may include a space 150 in order forthe masking agent to accumulate around the non-target surfaces 140. Thespace 150 may vary based on the size and shape of the component 120compared to the size and shape of the cavity 104. The space 150 mayassist in allowing the curing process to proceed efficiently, as furtherdiscussed below. Further, the bottom surface of the component 120 mayrest on the prongs 112 located at the bottom of the cavity 104. Asdiscussed above, the prongs may help ensure that the target surface 130remains level and parallel with the holder surface 116. Likewise, thestabilizers 114 may aid in maintaining the position of the component 120within the cavity 104 such that a masking agent may uniformly coat thenon-target surfaces 140 during the selective coating process 100 andkeep the component 120 from shifting. The target surface 120 andnon-target surface 140 will be further discussed below.

FIG. 1C illustrates an example coating system 200 for selectivelycoating a component using a potting process. The system is shown in theform of a coating system 100. While FIG. 1C illustrates a coating system100 as an example of a selective coating system, other types of coatingsystems could additionally or alternatively be used. As illustrated inFIG. 1C, the coating system 100 further includes a component 120, with atarget surface 130 and a non-target surface 140, along with a maskingagent 160 within a space 150 located between the walls of the cavity 104and the component 120.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the coating system may include a masking agent 160that is propagated or dispensed into the cavity 104. Specifically, themasking agent may fill the space 150 between the non-target surfaces 140and the walls of the cavity 104. The amount of the masking agent 160 maybe pre-determined based on the number of non-target surfaces the userwishes to protect from a coating agent on the component 120. Once themasking agent has reached the desired non-target surfaces, only thetarget surface should remain exposed and free of the masking agent.

In one embodiment, the masking agent 160 may be a water-solublecomposition, including, but not limited to, a water-soluble resin.Alternatively, the masking agent 160 may be a solvent-solublecomposition, including, but not limited to, a solvent-soluble resin.Other possibilities for masking agents include agents that may bethermal and/or UV cured and may be peeled off for removal or dissolvedthrough additional exposure to light or temperature conditions.Surfactants may be added to the masking agent 160 to lower the surfacetension and increase viscosity, thus allowing the liquid to dispense orpropagate more easily. Further, the masking agent 160 may be heated inorder to lower the surface tension. The masking agent 160 may be ineither liquid or solid form before it is dispensed into the cavity 104.

Propagation of the masking agent 160 may occur through the use of areservoir connected to each cavity 104 such that the masking agent mayflow into the cavity from another location. Alternatively, dispensingthe masking agent 160 into the cavity may include pouring the maskingagent into the cavity from above the holder 102. In one embodiment, thecomponent 120 may already be resting in the cavity 104 of the holder 102when the masking agent 160 is propagated into the cavity. In analternative embodiment, the component 120 may be immersed in the maskingagent 160 after it has already been dispensed into the cavity 104.

According to an example embodiment, once the component 120 is properlypositioned in the cavity 104 and immersed in the masking agent 160 suchthat the non-target surfaces 140 are sufficiently covered by the maskingagent, the masking agent may be cured. Curing the masking agent 160 maytransform the masking agent by hardening it into a semi-solid or solidstate, such that it hardens around the non-target surfaces 140.Alternatively, curing the masking agent 160 may transform the maskingagent into a gel medium. The masking agent 160 may become impermeablesuch that the coating agent 170 will not dissolve into the masking agent160.

Curing the masking agent 160 may occur through various methods.Generally, the type of curing method chosen is dependent on thecomposition of the masking agent 160. In one embodiment, curing themasking agent 160 may occur through the use of temperature curing, wherethe masking agent hardens due to a drop in temperature. Alternatively,curing may be accomplished through the use of ultraviolet light thathardens the masking agent 160. Other curing methods may be possible aswell. Once curing has occurred, the masking agent 160 may be impermeableto the coating agent 170 such that the non-target surfaces will not beexposed to the coating agent.

In FIG. 1D, component 120 with target surface 130 is illustrated with acoating agent 170 applied. The coating agent may be applied only locallyto the target surface 130 or over the target surface and the holdersurface 116 at the same time. The coating process may be accomplishedusing various methods, including, but not limited to, spin-coating,airbrushing, vapour deposition, physical deposition, or dip coating.

In an example embodiment, the target surface of an eyepiece is coatedusing a spin-coating process, where the coating agent 170 is applied tothe center of the holder 102. Once the holder 102 begins spinning, thecentrifugal force distributes the coating agent 170 evenly over thetarget surface 130 of the component 120. Since the position of themasking agent 160 surrounding the non-target surfaces 140 is level andparallel to the surface 116 of the holder 102, the coating agent 170cannot reach the non-target surfaces 140. Thus, only the target surfacewill be coated with the coating agent 170. The composition of thecoating agent 170 may include, but is not limited to, an anti-reflectioncoating, a photochromic coating, a hydrophobic coating, a polarizingcoating, an oleophobic coating, or an anti-scratch coating. Other typesof coatings may be possible as well.

FIG. 1E illustrates an example embodiment with a holder 102 containing alocalized thin-wall feature 198 within the holder side 118. Thelocalized thin-wall feature 198 may aid in the removal of the componentfrom the holder 102 by allowing a wall of the cavity 104, whichcorresponds to the holder side 118, to be removed. When the wall of thecavity is removed, the component 120 may be more easily released.

In an alternative embodiment, the masking agent 160 may be removedmechanically through the creation of a tab using the masking agentduring the curing process. Thus, after the masking agent 160 has curedand the coating agent 170 has been applied, the tab may be pulled inorder to release the masking agent away from the non-target surfaces140. Mechanical removal of the component may also occur without the useof a tab, for example, if an individual peels off the masking agent.

While FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate mechanical removal of the component 120from the masking agent and holder 102, other removal methods arepossible as well. In one embodiment, the masking agent 160 may remainadhered to the component 120 after being cured. In an alternativeembodiment, the masking agent 160 may adhere to the holder 102. In orderto remove the masking agent from either the holder 102 or the component120, the masking agent may be dissolved by a release agent, which mayact to inhibit or weaken the adhesion between the masking agent and theholder or component. The release agent may be applied to either thecomponent 120 or the holder 102, or both. Further, the release agent maybe either a water or solvent solution, depending on the composition ofthe masking agent, such that the masking agent is dissolvable in thesolution. Other types of releasing agents for dissolving the maskingagent may be possible. Further, the release agent may be heated in orderto increase the speed of the dissolving process. As such, the maskingagent 160 may be sublimated or decomposed into volatile compounds.

3. EXAMPLE METHODS

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart depicting an example method for selectivelycoating a component using a potting process. Method 200 may be carriedout by a coating system as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F and FIGS. 3A-3D.However, it should be understood that example methods, such as method200, may be carried out by systems other than the coating systemdescribed above.

Further, those skilled in the art will understand that the flowchartdescribed herein illustrates functionality and operation of certainimplementations of example embodiments. In this regard, each block ofthe flowchart may represent a module or system that is capable ofperforming specific logical functions or steps in the selective coatingprocess.

Example method 200 begins at step 202 with dispensing a masking agentinto a cavity, where the cavity is located within a holder. At step 204,a portion of a component that has a number of surfaces is immersed intothe masking agent such that at least one portion of a target surfacefrom the number of surfaces is not immersed in the masking agent. In anexample embodiment, the component is an eyepiece that is part of anocular apparatus. Further, in an alternative embodiment, the maskingagent may be added to the cavity after the component has been placed inthe cavity, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. At step 206, the masking agentis cured such that it hardens on the portion of the number of surfacesof the component immersed in the masking agent. At step 208, the targetsurface is coated with a coating agent, as shown in FIG. 3C. And at step210, the masking agent is separated from the portion of the number ofsurfaces of the component immersed in the masking agent, as shown inFIG. 3D. Each of the blocks shown with respect to FIG. 2 is discussedfurther below.

4. CONCLUSION

The above detailed description describes various features and functionsof the disclosed systems, components, and methods with reference to theaccompanying figures. While various aspects and embodiments have beendisclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosedherein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to belimiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A system comprising: a holder, wherein a masking agent isdispensed into a cavity located within the holder, wherein the cavityincludes three or more prongs extending outwardly from the surface ofthe cavity, and wherein three of the prongs are in a triangulararrangement to create a plane to assist with the placement and stabilityof a component; the component, wherein a portion of the component thathas a plurality of surfaces is immersed into the masking agent such thatat least one portion of a target surface from the plurality of surfacesis not immersed; and a control system configured to: cure the maskingagent such that the masking agent hardens on the portion of theplurality of surfaces of the component immersed in the masking agent;coat the target surface with a coating agent; and separate the maskingagent from the portion of the plurality of surfaces of the componentimmersed in the masking agent.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomponent is an optical piece comprised of an eyepiece of a head-mounteddisplay (HMD).
 3. The system of claim 1, where in the cavity is onecavity of a plurality of cavities, wherein the plurality of cavities iswithin a holder.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the separating themasking agent from the portion of the plurality of surfaces of thecomponent immersed in the masking agent comprises dissolving the maskingagent.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the separating the maskingagent from the portion of the plurality of surfaces of the componentimmersed in the masking agent comprises mechanically removing themasking agent.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the cavity is of apredetermined size and shape.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thecavity is comprised of a bottom surface with three prongs.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein the masking agent is of a predetermined volume. 9.The system of claim 1, further comprising a reservoir configured todispense the masking agent into the cavity, wherein the reservoir isconnected to the cavity.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the maskingagent is water-soluble.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the maskingagent is solvent-soluble.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the maskingagent is mixed with a surfactant.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein thecuring the masking agent further comprises increasing or decreasing thetemperature of the masking agent.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein thecuring the masking agent further comprises exposing the masking agent toultraviolet light.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the coating agentis at least one of an anti-reflection agent, a photochromic agent, ahydrophobic agent, a polarizing agent, an oleophobic agent, or ananti-scratch agent.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the holder iscomposed of an injection molded plastic.
 17. The system of claim 1,wherein the separating the masking agent from the portion of theplurality of surfaces of the component immersed in the masking agentfurther comprises heating the masking agent to a desired temperature.